band

band¹

noun

1》 a flat, thin strip or loop of material used as a fastener, for reinforcement, or as decoration.

    ↘a belt or strap transmitting motion between two wheels or pulleys.

2》 a stripe, line, or elongated area of a different colour or composition from its surroundings: a band of cloud.

3》 (especially in financial contexts) a range of values or a specified category within a series.

    ↘a range of frequencies or wavelengths in a spectrum: channels in the UHF band.

    ↘any of several groups into which school pupils of the same age are divided on the basis of similar ability.

4》 (bands) a collar with two hanging strips, worn by certain lawyers, clerics, and academics as part of their formal dress.

5》 archaic a bond.

verb

1》 surround or fit with a band.

2》 mark with a stripe or stripes of a different colour.

3》 allocate to a range or category.

Derivatives

bander noun

banding noun

Origin

OE, from ON, reinforced in ME by OFr. bande, of Gmc origin; related to bind.

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band²

noun

1》 a small group of musicians and vocalists who play pop, jazz, or rock music.

    ↘a group of musicians who play brass, wind, or percussion instruments.

2》 a group of people having a common interest or purpose or characterized by a common feature.

3》 N. Amer. a herd or flock.

verb form a group for a mutual purpose.

Origin

ME: from OFr. bande, of Gmc origin; related to banner.